It is getting to be that time of the year — tax deadlines!! April 15th is just a few weeks away. As you finalize your taxes (if you haven’t already done so), you may find that you have documents you no longer need. They may be items you saved this year and find you did not need to keep or they may be prior year’s tax returns or even old medical receipts.

No matter what documents you have that you do not need, it is important that you shred them. In this day of identity theft, you just can’t toss them into the trash anymore. It is sad – but true. So, you can purchase a shredder and spend time shredding them yourself. Or, you can get it done — for free!

Here is today’s list of FREE Kindle and Nook Books for March 31, 2015. Remember that you do not need to own a Kindle to read these books. You can download the free Kindle app to your tablet, smartphone or other electronic device and can read any Kindle books.

** These books are all free as of the time we do the post. Prices change quickly on Amazon, so if you don’t see that it is free, that is why. Just make sure you check the price before you download.

**Prices and availability subject to change. Make sure you confirm the price prior to purchase. If the price noted above differs from what you see on line, it simply means that this deal has expired since the time it was posted.

Remember that coupons have a limited number of prints, so if see one you like you may want to print it up quickly before it runs out! Also just remember may print 2 of each coupon per computer and coupons print out 3 to a page.

I’ve been using my Target REDcard for several months. Yes, the woman who doesn’t use debit cards for shopping, but rather cash. For the longest time, I refused to get one of these cards, but have since changed my mind. I use this DEBIT version myself (still don’t do credit).

I use the REDcard debit every time I shop. Then, I take that amount out of my cash envelope. So, if I spent $75 using my REDcard and I have $300 in cash, I pull out $75 and set it aside. I then, just put that into savings — so a double bonus! I get the 5% discount AND instantly have money set aside for the holidays!!

Of course, this may not be an option for everyone, so you can just set that money aside and then deduct it from the amount you will withdraw for your cash spending the next pay period. Finally, if you are using cash, you can go to the bank after you shop and just re-deposit the cash back into your account to cover your purchase. There are definitely ways to work around a cash budget while still getting the additional REDcard savings.

So, why did I change my way of thinking? Simply put – the perks. There are so many which you get with this card – be it Debit or Credit:

5% off of all purchases, every day

Free shipping online – no minimum required

Extended returns – an additional 30 days

Up to 1% of your purchase can go back to the school of your choice!

Keep in mind that if you apply for the credit REDcard, the process is the same as with any other card, you must be approved. If you opt for the Debit card option, you will have to provide your banking information so that they can automatically deduct the purchase from your account.

While 5% may not seem like much, that can quickly add up over the course of a year. This past December, they even offered REDCard members a BONUS discount of 10% off of select brands, which was incredible.

Ask anyone who’s been or is there: ages 40 to 49 are a busy time. There are quite a variety of expenses to consider. For many people, funds aren’t just being allotted to the costs of raising children; aging parents may need some financial assistance as well. And let’s not forget about existing debt and mortgages.

While it may seem like your accounts are being pulled in several directions, it’s equally – if not more –important that you are moving money into a retirement savings account, too. Approximately one-third of people aged 30-49 years old don’t have a retirement account. If you’re in this category, you need to start thinking even further ahead.

Up and Over The Hill

Most people hit their peak earnings during their 40s. Now, don’t get caught up in thinking that means it is time to buy that dream home. Because what comes after a peak? That’s right, a downhill slide. If you’re presently struggling to live within your means, imagine how you’ll feel when you’re facing life without a steady paycheck.

What kind of costs can you expect at or after 40? It’s undeniable that health care costs will continue rising as you age because you will likely need more care. There are two sure fire ways to delay spending time in doctors’ offices and taking more medication – diet and exercise. Yes, we know these aren’t fun, but numerous studies have shown time and time again that taking care of yourself helps ward off conditions that come with aging.

Mid-life is also when many think about purchasing or upping life insurance for themselves or family members. This can be a matter of dollars each month and is definitely something to look into. None of us believe the unexpected will happen, but its best to be prepared, for your family’s sake, in case it does.

A Different Angle

If your retirement savings are minimal or non-existent, you need to strongly consider a lifestyle change. Many families are joining what’s being called the tiny house movement. Downsizing is key but moving into a 500 square foot home is not. It’s more about reducing unnecessary living costs, such as cable, leisure expenses and debt. While you’re decreasing across the board, you can more easily max out your retirement vehicles.

Up your retirement savings up as high as you can to make up for any lost wages later. Not sure how much you’ll need to retire? Use a retirement savings calculator that tailors suggested deposits to your age, income and even estimated inflation. For reference, you should be saving 12 to 15 percent of each paycheck in your 40s, at a minimum.

A Bite Out of the Sandwich

You may feel like your retirement savings should be put on the backburner when you’re faced with more immediate financial concerns at home. Many of today’s 40 year olds are in what’s considered the ‘sandwich generation’ meaning they’re in between caring for children and for their parents. While it can be daunting, the best approach to sensible retirement saving is a pragmatic one.

Hopefully, you or your spouse’s parents have put money aside for retirement. If they didn’t or lost funds due to an emergency, you will need to work together as a family to cut expenses and find ways to provide for their needs. Help get your parents’ paperwork in order and you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect.

Your kids will likely need help with expenses before, during and after college. The best way you can help them out? Teach them some self-sustaining habits, such as cooking, basic car maintence, simple sewing or even gardening. Remember, they can always get a loan for their education and you cannot do the same for retirement.

With all the choices you make and the busy activities of your 40s, use this momentum to move your retirement savings forward. Doing so makes the next 40 years something to look forward to, not fear.

For 50-year-olds, retirement is a looming prospect. Next week, we’ll talk about what can still be done to maximize savings and diversify portfolios. For more advice on navigating financials or saving for retirement, click here for friendly advice from the CommunityAmerica Credit Union Savin’ Mavens.

Subscribe to Fast Company Magazine for only $4.99 per year (58% off)! You can order up to 3 years at this price!Add this magazine to your shopping cart and then enter the coupon code pennypinch and then you will see the price drop! This deal is good until Wednesday 4/1/15 11:59 PM EST.

Fast Company Magazine is known as the hip guide to the business revolution, featuring the latest business news and trends, cutting-edge entrepreneurs and the very fastest growing companies.

**If you find any other title on this site, you can always use the code: pennypinch and instantly save 20% off of the list price!

Below you will find this week’s Walmart matchups. Since there is not always a weekly ad, these are matchups using the coupons which recently became available to print and from this past weekend’s coupon inserts. As a reminder, prices can very from region to region, so there may be pricing differences where you shop!

Money Management

About Me

Tracie is a stay at home mom to three young children; ages 6, 7 and 10 in Raymore, Missouri. In November 2007, she and her husband decided to eliminate their debt and made many changes in their lifestyle to do just that.

She and her husband eradicated over $37,000 in debt in 27 months, through both budgeting and learning how to live a frugal life. She now shares her knowledge in order to help you stretch your hard-earned dollars so you can live the life you want.